Paddling Echo Lake Acadia National Park

Echo Lake

We selected Echo Lake Pond for our second paddle in Acadia because, like Seal Cove,
Echo Lake is not as heavily used as are as many of the other ponds in the park. We expected
another quiet experience with little or no company. Quiet Waters
Maine provides excellent direction for getting to the boat launch.

Echo Lake is a gorgeous little lake located on the western side of Mount Desert Island
just south of Somesville near Route 102. The lake has a beach that is one of the most
popular swimming areas in Acadia National Park. Only part of the lake is
contained in Acadia National Park.

As we expected, we had the lake to ourselves. We did see a few people walking
on the beach, but we were the only kayak on the water. Because the road follows
much of the lake, road noise does intrude into the feeling of being alone.

One side of the lake goes along a large chunk of granite. I guess it's what's
left of the original mountains. It's quite impressive.

There is quite a bit of development around the lake in areas that are not part
of Acadia National Park. Summer home with docks and swimming platforms. But the
home are pretty well hidden by the trees so except for the docks, you wouldn't know
that the area was developed.

There were a few tree around echo lake that had turned to red. One of the interesting
things at echo lake was the fact that plants see to be growing out the bare rocks
around the lake.